Environmental Benefits of Concrete Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

The environmental benefits of concrete septic tanks are an important factor when deciding on
the type of septic tank to install for your home or business. We understand the importance of
caring for our environment, after all, we live here too. So, let’s take a moment to look at the
environmental benefits of the concrete septic tanks designed and built by Ri-Industries.
Concrete septic tanks offer several environmental benefits in South Australia. Here are some
key advantages:

1. Durability and Longevity: Concrete septic tanks have a long lifespan, typically lasting for
several decades. This durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimising
waste and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and installing new
tanks.

2. Resistance to Groundwater Contamination: Concrete septic tanks are designed to be
watertight, preventing the leakage of effluent into the surrounding groundwater. This
feature helps protect the quality of groundwater, which is essential for drinking water
supplies and the health of ecosystems.

3. Efficient Treatment of Wastewater: Concrete septic tanks provide an effective means of
treating wastewater from households. They separate solid waste from liquids and allow
the natural decomposition of organic matter. The treated effluent, which is typically
higher in quality, can then be released into the soil through a drainage field or leach
drain system, where further treatment occurs.

4. Nutrient Recycling: The effluent produced in concrete septic tanks contains valuable
nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. When properly treated and managed, this
nutrient-rich effluent can be beneficial for fertilising plants and enhancing soil fertility,
reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers.

5. Reduced Energy Consumption: Concrete septic tanks operate passively, without the
need for electricity or mechanical components. They rely on natural processes, such as
gravity and bacterial activity, to function effectively. This feature reduces energy
consumption and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Minimised Chemical Usage: Compared to other wastewater treatment systems, concrete
septic tanks typically require fewer chemicals for operation and maintenance. This
aspect reduces the potential for chemical contamination in the environment and lowers
the reliance on potentially harmful substances.

It’s important to note that proper design, installation, and regular maintenance are crucial for
maximising the environmental benefits of concrete septic tanks. Regular inspections, pump-
outs, and adherence to local regulations and guidelines are necessary to ensure their optimal
performance and minimise any potential negative impacts on the environment.

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about our products. You can learn more by
going to our website or by calling 08 8444 8100.

How Concrete Septic Tanks Play a Role in Sustainable Living and Reducing Waste

by Ri Industries

Concrete septic tanks can play a significant role in sustainable living and
reducing waste. We’ve previously written a number of articles about water
conservation. You can find those articles on our website.

Today we’d like to talk about a few ways in which concrete septic tanks can
contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way of living:

1. Waste management: Concrete septic tanks are designed to treat and
store wastewater from households, allowing for safe and effective
disposal of waste. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that
ends up in landfills and minimizes the risk of pollution and
contamination to the environment.

2. Water conservation: A properly functioning concrete septic tank can
help to conserve water by treating and reusing wastewater. This can
be particularly useful in areas where water is scarce, as it allows for a
sustainable supply of water for household and agricultural use.

3. Energy efficiency: Concrete septic tanks can be designed and
installed in a way that maximizes energy efficiency. For example,
some designs use gravity to move wastewater through the system,
which reduces the need for energy-intensive pumps.

4. Durability: Concrete septic tanks are known for their durability and
long lifespan. This means that they can last for many years with
proper maintenance, reducing the need for frequent replacements
and waste.

As you can see, concrete septic tanks can play a key role in reducing waste
and promoting sustainability in households and communities. By
effectively treating and managing wastewater, conserving water,
maximizing energy efficiency, and being durable, concrete septic tanks can
help to create a more sustainable future.

Would you like to learn more about the Ri-Industries septic tank? You may
click this link or call us at 08 8444 8100.

Delivery of Waste Water Treatment Systems and Septic Tanks

by Ri Industries

Truck delivering Ri-Industries concrete septic tank

Delivery of waste water treatment systems, water tanks and septic tanks requires planning and organising a number of moving pieces. Let’s take a look at how delivery works at Ri-industries.com.au.

Before we talk about the ‘normal’ process, it’s important to mention that rainy and wet conditions can sometimes mean that deliveries are delayed or rescheduled.  We will always do our best to deliver our tanks as scheduled but if your property experiences a lot of rain before delivery, this can make access difficult due to the ground become slippy or even boggy for our trucks. We confirm every delivery the day before so if your site is particularly wet please let us know, so we can work out the best course of action with you, to avoid our trucks getting bogged on site.

We take our involvement in the delivery process very seriously and ensure we comply with the compliance and enforcement (C&E) legislation in relation to potential road safety breaches. We exercise due care and take reasonable steps to prevent breaches of road safety law, and we expect our business partners to do the same. This includes ‘third party transport’ collection of goods from our premises. All transport providers collecting goods from our premises will be required to prove compliance or provide details of the relevant person within the business that we are able to contact for compliance details. This ensures all parties within the ‘Chain of Responsibility’ are protected via the reasonable steps defence measure.

Ri-Industries has a fleet of vehicles available for delivery. This includes crane trucks that are modern, clean, and purpose built. Our drivers are professionals who will do their best to help you when delivering the product on-site. We offer a FREE on-site visit inspection regarding delivery.

We will need to assess the best way to unload your tank, taking factors into account such as:

  • We will need to reverse up to the hole therefore easy access is very important
  • A clear, level site is required to unload the tank in your excavated area
  • 4.7 metres is needed for the truck to pass under trees and overhead power lines
  • A minimum height clearance of 8 metres is required when unloading
  • 4 metres clearance is required between gate posts.
  • Our trucks are 10 metres long and 2.5 metres wide. 

We use a ‘Swiftlift’ lifting system for our products, which is approved for use by the regulatory authorities in every state of Australia and New Zealand. It’s a safe and rapid method of lifting and handling precast concrete elements. A specially designed ‘lifting eye’ is also used. It’s designed so that, when properly connected to the head of the embedded anchor, it cannot release whilst the system is under load. The ‘lifting eye’ may be purchased from our office. 

Our staff are here to help ensure the delivery process goes smoothly. Please call us at 08 8444 8100 with any questions. 

 

 

What is the Expected Lifespan of a Septic System

by Ri Industries

septic system exposed in ground

What is the expected lifespan of a septic system? We hear this question often. After all, a septic system is not only a big financial investment, but it’s something that causes much disruption when it’s not working properly.

So, what can you expect? For a conventional septic system which is properly designed, well-built, maintained as advised, and not overworked, you can expect it to last for 20 – 30 years. The next logical question is, how do you tick all of those boxes?

The first two are simple. When you purchase a septic tank from Ri-Industries, you are purchasing a properly designed and well-built tank. With over 70 years of experience in the septic tank business in Adelaide, South Australia, Ri-Industries has developed efficient manufacturing techniques to produce concrete septic tanks and septic tank lids of the highest quality that are built to last.

Our article “Common Septic Tank Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well”  addresses proper maintenance you should follow. Fortunately, maintenance is not required often, but it should be done on a regular basis. What does that mean? The answer will be determined based upon the size and the system and amount of use it gets. Typically, pumping every 3 – 5 years is recommended.

Don’t forget about the drain field. Proper care for it will help keep the system working properly. When the drain field is not properly cared for, the wastewater cannot filter correctly, which can cause it to flow into the groundwater, or back through your pipes and into your home. Don’t build structures or park vehicles on the drain field.

Address warning signs of problems promptly. Slow draining sinks/bath, spots of healthy, green grass over the drain field, or bad odours coming from the tank or drain field are common signs of problems. Taking care of the problems early can save you money on the repairs and help extend the life of the system.

How do you avoid overworking the septic system? 

  • Space out laundry loads. Running numerous loads of laundry in a day can flood the field and overfill the tank, forcing untreated wastewater (with solids) into the leach field, clogging the field.
  • Turn off taps when washing up, brushing your teeth, or doing dishes, to avoid running more water than necessary.
  • Don’t put your drain field in a low area that collects water. Excess water seeping into the ground has the same effect as excess water from the house – a saturated drain field that functions poorly and may fail early.
  • Consider low-flow shower heads and water conserving toilets to reduce the amount of water flowing through the system.
  • Be careful what you flush. Our article “Can I Flush This Waste?” has important tips. 

Our website has lots of articles to help you properly care for your septic system. And of course, our experts are available to answer your questions. All you need to do is call 8444 8100.

Laundry Tips to Help Your Septic Tank System

by Ri Industries

Did you know the way you do laundry can affect your septic system? If you read our article last month, you likely do. We discussed common causes of a failing septic system and heavy water usage is one of the most common causes. So, from Ri-Industries to you, here are some laundry tips to help keep your septic system working properly. 

Be careful of washing clothes that are too dirty for the wash. Yes, you read that right. When items with excess dirt on them (like caked-on mud) are added to the wash load, you risk a build up of dirt/mud which can in turn clog the system and damage the absorption of the drainfield.

Spread out your washing. If you don’t accumulate a lot of laundry during the week (2 loads or less), doing it all in one day may be fine. But, if you’re like most of us, the laundry that piles up in your home all week can be too much to put your septic system through in one day. The loads should be spaced apart to give the settlement process time to properly break down the solid matter. If you don’t, the soakage field could fail which can cause extensive damage. 

The septic system uses ‘good’ bacteria to break down the solids which enter it. Excessive amounts of bleach and detergents will damage the good bacteria. By spacing out the load, you limit the amount of bleach and detergent in the system at one time. Also, choose liquid detergent rather than powder. Powdered detergents use fillers or extenders that can clog the soil in the drainfield and permanently damage its absorption ability. Look for a formula with natural ingredients and that is low in surfactants and phosphates.

Did you know many washing machines come with a lint tray, just like dryers do? And, just like dryers, the lint trays need to be emptied and cleaned. Laundry debris and lint can escape into your pipes causing severe blockages. These substantial backups can break down your septic system, so take this tip seriously.

Following these few tips will help avoid costly repairs to the septic system. Do you have questions about these tips or anything regarding the Ri-Industry septic tanks? If so, please call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

Common Causes of a Failing Septic System

by Ri Industries

Image shows Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Causes of a Failing Septic System

A failing septic system is a concern shared by many homeowners. Repairs, or replacement, can be costly. But what might be even worse, is living in a home when the septic system is not working as it should. 

Although it’s unlikely that homeowners think about their septic system every day, they do benefit from its function each and every day. When a septic tank is mentioned, most people immediately think of toilets. And yes, the septic tank is extremely important to manage human waste disposal, but it’s responsible for handling so much more in the house. Showers, laundry, dish washing, anything that produces wastewater in the home will use the septic tank. It’s easy to see why it’s important to keep it flowing smoothly and functioning well. 

One of the most common causes of a failing septic system is heavy water usage in the home. To help understand why, let’s take a simple look at how the septic system works: 

  • Wastewater flows from the inlet to the outlet in the septic tank. 
  • Solids and liquids of different densities are separated. 
  • Scum rises to the top, sludge sinks to the bottom, and the watery effluent stays in the middle. 
  • The effluent then flows out of the septic tank into the drain field. 

The size of the septic tank and the drain field will dictate how much wastewater can be processed at a time. If too much wastewater overwhelms the system, it will not be able to break it down properly and can result in clogging the system.

The septic system may be overlooked when plans are made to remodel a home. If space is being added to allow additional people to live in the home, you will want to speak with a professional to help determine if the current septic tank is large enough to handle the extra use. 

The drain field plays an important role in the septic system. Be careful where trees are planted to help avoid clogging due to tree roots. Also, be sure no one drives over the drain field. The weight of the vehicles could compact or crush underground pipes. 

Human waste is the only matter the septic system is designed to break down. A common cause of a failing septic system is the introduction of other materials such as paper towels, cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, nappies, and even ‘flushable’ wipes. Bacteria is unable to break these products down and can result in forming a blockage in the system.

An often-overlooked cause of a failing septic system is the use of cleaners or antibacterial agents which disrupt or kill the bacteria that is responsible for breaking down the wastewater. 

Now that we know about some of the common causes of a failing septic system, let’s talk about common signs to help homeowners contact the experts when needed:

 

  • Unexplained slow drains (sinks, bathtubs, and showers)
  • Sewage backup into your home (sinks, bathtubs, showers, laundry)
  • Wet or spongy spots in the yard (that are not due to rain or other water source)
  • Grass that is unusually green over the septic system 
  • Foul odor near the septic system

The experts at Ri-Industries can help homeowners determine the proper size tank needed for their home and will ensure it is properly installed. To learn more please visit our website or call us at 8444 8100.

Keep the Septic Tank Flowing Smoothly During the Holidays

by Ri Industries

Happy Holidays! (nearly)

Despite the changing rules about COVID and travel, it seems many people are opting to stay within the borders of South Australia for the holidays. Opening your home to friends and family means extra work for the septic system. In the spirit of best wishes for happy holidays, Ri-Industries offers the following tips to help keep the septic tank flowing smoothly in your home.

  • Limit water use by planning ahead. Don’t do laundry on the same days your house will be full of guests. When guests are arriving in the afternoon or evening, ask family members to shower early in the day. Wash dishes before guests arrive. Prepare as much of the food as possible before the guests arrive. Septic systems can only handle so much water at one time therefore spreading out the water use gives the system time to work.
  • Don’t use the garbage disposal! Yes, there are still homes in South Australia with garbage disposals and yes, they can make clean-up a bit easier. But, they can also tax the septic system. Make sure anything caught in your strainer goes directly in the garbage – not your septic tank.
  • Toilet paper and human waste. That’s all. Nothing else should be flushed down the toilets. Be sure your family members and your guests are aware of this rule. All other items such as feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, cleaning products, cigarette butts and other items should be thrown in the bin. This will help prevent those items from getting into your septic tank and causing a blockage.
  • Plan when to water the lawn. Since the septic system can only handle a certain amount of water at one time, plan to water the lawn on a day when you won’t be having guests. This goes for car washing and any other water use too. 
  • Pump it out. Don’t wait for a problem to occur, especially when you’re entertaining! Be proactive and have your system pumped before the holidays if you’re due.

From our families to yours, we wish you happy, healthy, and peaceful holidays!

Septic Tank FAQ’s: Septic Tank Questions

by Ri Industries

Speech bubble with Septic Tank FAQ's written in it.

We have compiled a list of septic tank questions which you may find handy. Please have a read and of course, feel free to call us with any additional questions!

  • Are septic tanks environmentally friendly? Yes, septic tanks are environmentally friendly. In fact, the process they use is all  natural. Commercial treatment plants use harsh chemicals to break down waste, but your residential septic tank uses natural bacteria to break down the household waste. 
  • Should I be concerned about disease? No! While it’s true that improperly treated household waste can contribute to, or cause, illness and disease, a properly functioning septic tank can remove this risk.
  • How long will the septic tank last? Concrete tanks, like those built by Ri-Industries, can last up 40 years if it’s properly maintained.
  • Will my septic tank be damaged by flushing things like pills or bleach down the toilet? The process can be disturbed when chemicals are introduced into the system. The process uses bacteria to break down waste. Chemicals, like antibiotics, and those found in some cleaning products, can cause an imbalance in the ecosystem which can weaken or kill the bacteria. When this happens, solid waste will build up more quickly which can lead to problems in the drainfield. 
  • The power’s out! Will the septic tank still work? The pump requires electricity to pump the effluent into the drain field. Without electricity, the tank will fill up. To help minimise problems, when the power is out try to conserve as much water as possible. Take shorter showers, don’t do laundry, and ration the flushing of the toilets. 
  • Is a plastic septic tank better than a concrete septic tank? There are pros and cons of both but concrete tanks typically last longer, they’re more durable, they don’t need as much maintenance and they’re not usually affected by changes to their environment such as tree roots or changing soil conditions.

The questions above are ones that have not been addressed very often in our blogs. For more questions, answers, tips, and facts please check out some of our previous blogs:

What Happens When a Septic Tank is Pumped?

Common Septic Tank Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

Weather and Septic Tanks – What You Need to Know

Toilet Paper – Which is Best for Septic Systems

To see all of our blogs, including more on septic tanks, please click here. 

What Happens When a Septic Tank is Pumped?

by Ri Industries

What happens when a septic tank is pumped? What is the process and where do the contents go? If you own a property that has a septic tank, you may be curious.

First, let’s quickly recap how a septic tank works. Simply put, septic tanks allow for the safe disposal of certain household waste products. Wastewater flows down through the sewer pipes in your home and enters the first chamber of the tank, allowing solids to settle (sludge layer). A crust then forms on the surface of the effluent, known as the scum layer. The settled solids are anaerobically digested, reducing the volume of solids. The liquid component flows through the dividing wall into the second chamber, where further settlement takes place, with the excess liquid then draining in a relatively clear condition from the outlet into the soakage field. To learn more, see our articles How a Septic Tank Works and How Do Sewage and Effluent Move Through Septic Systems?

Soil, sludge, excrement and solid waste will build up in the tank over time, eventually requiring the tank to be pumped to make room for more waste to be added. Waste disposal companies begin the pumping process by emptying the tank and removing all the solid waste that has been collected. A tank truck with suction gear, called a gully sucker, collects the waste by sucking the wastewater and sludge from the tank. Once the tank is emptied, the contents will be transported for disposal.

The South Australian government dictates how the contents are to be disposed of. “Septage must either be taken to a facility licensed to receive septage or where this is not reasonable or practicable, applied to land only if for beneficial reuse (for example, in regional locations or small townships).”

We know talking about waste products is not a fun topic, but for those who use septic tanks, this information is important. Knowledge can help keep the septic system running smoothly. For more information on our septic tanks or any of our products, please call 08 8444 8100.

https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/files/8427_guide_septic.pdf

Common Septic Tank Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

by Ri Industries

Ri-Industries logo and title of article: Common Septic Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your System Running Well

Septic tank mistakes can be innocently made by homeowners leading to damage and expensive repairs. While you don’t want to think about your septic tank often, a little knowledge and planning can help you keep it in good working order. 

Let’s talk about common septic tank mistakes:

  1. Lack of Maintenance – This is one of the biggest reasons homeowners find themselves with a non-working septic tank. Maintenance is not required often, but should be done on a regular basis. The size and use of the system will factor into how often it should be pumped, but typically it is best to do every few years. 
  2. Toilets Are Not Rubbish Bins –  Rubbish should be properly disposed of, and this does NOT mean flushed down the toilet. Restrict flushing to toilet paper only and the waste that exits in your body. The most common items flushed which should NOT be flushed are feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, toilet paper that is not labeled ‘septic safe’, and nappies.
  3. System Overload – A steady flow of water is best for the septic system. Frequent loads of laundry and exceptionally long showers should be avoided. 
  4. Ignoring Warning Signs – Common signs of trouble include the sink/bath draining slowly, bad odour emanating from the tank or drain field, and spots of healthy/green grass over the drain field. If you see one or more of these, call in a professional. When caught early, repairs may be less costly than if the warning signs are ignored.
  5. Drain Field Care – Waste water gets treated in the septic tank and then it flows into the drain field where it filters through the soil. When the drain field is not properly cared for, the wastewater cannot filter correctly, which can cause it to flow into the groundwater, or back through your pipes and into your home. Don’t build structures or park vehicles on the drain field and avoid overloading the drain field with too much wastewater at once. 

It’s never pleasant to find your septic system not working properly. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you avoid that unpleasantness. If you have questions, please call and speak with one of our experts or you may find the answers in one of our many blogs at https://www.ri-industries.com.au/blog/.

 

Weather and Septic Tanks – What You Need to Know

by Ri Industries

You may not think about the impact of weather on septic tanks as the seasons change, but since weather can affect the functioning of septic tanks, it’s a good idea to understand how it can affect it and what you should do about it. 

We typically give no thought to the septic system at our home or place of business until something goes wrong. And many problems can arise when the septic system isn’t properly working. Fortunately, like most things in life, knowledge and prevention can help keep things running smoothly.

Take the weather, for instance. Having the knowledge that weather can affect how the septic system works means you can take steps to prevent problems. Let’s take a look at weather and septic tanks:

    • Cold Weather – Bacteria in the septic tank is used to digest waste. Waste that is left behind by the bacteria will settle to the bottom of the tank as sludge. Cold weather can cause the bacteria to slow down or even come to a complete stop. When this happens, the sludge builds up and problems arise. Fortunately for those of us living in South Australia, bacteria typically doesn’t slow down until the temperature drops to 10 degrees celsius or below. 
    • Heavy Rainfall – Lots of rain can saturate the drain field which means water will be unable to drain from the septic tank. When this happens, the water will move backwards through the pipes and up into the toilets and various drains in your home. It can also cause untreated sewage to make its way into the groundwater and/or local bodies of water causing contamination.

Now that you have some knowledge about weather and septic tanks, how do you use the knowledge to help keep things smoothly flowing? This is where prevention comes into play.

Prevention is the best tool against malfunctioning septic systems.

  • In a previous blog, Preparing Your Septic Tank for Colder Weather, we shared a number of tips about getting ready for cold weather. The first tip, Get Pumped!, is one of the most important preventative steps you can take … and it only needs to be done approximately every 3 – 5 years! Pumping the septic tank will help prevent problems due to cold weather as well as heavy rainfall. 
  • You can also prevent problems by avoiding harsh chemicals or substances that can negatively affect the bacteria population. We have a number of blogs with household tips for your reference. 
  • Heavy vehicles or machinery can damage the drain field, so be sure to place them away from the septic area. 

Knowledge about weather and septic tanks can help you prevent problems. If you have questions or are in need of a new septic tank, please call us at 8444 8100 and we’ll be pleased to assist you. 

 

Toilet Paper – Which is Best for Septic Systems

by Ri Industries

Toilet paper: A necessary item for all of us, but one we don’t give much thought to until a problem arises, like a clogged toilet, a septic system in need of repair, or a worldwide shortage like we experienced in 2020. We may not be able to help you with the supply and demand issue, but we certainly can share important information to help avoid clogged toilets and damaged septic systems.

It’s actually quite simple. Your choice of toilet paper and how much is used can make a big difference in how well a septic system works. We’ve previously spoken about this in our blog Which Toilet Paper is Best for my Septic System?.

What characteristics of toilet paper are best for the septic system?

Recycled paper – The benefits here are the lack of bleach or other harsh chemicals that might affect the delicate balance in a septic system.
Biodegradable paper – This paper is specially designed to break down quickly. Non-dissolvable fibers are not used and the bonds in the paper are looser than non-biodegradable toilet paper.

The industry experts over at sensibledigs.com have formulated their list of the Best Toilet Paper for Septic Systems of 2021. Even though they are based in the US, the good news is that most of these toilet paper brands are available in Australia, too. Here are their choices:

  • Best Ultra Soft – Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Toilet Pap
  • Best 2-Ply Septic-Safe – Amazon Brand Presto   
  • Best Scented Septic-Safe – Angel Soft Lavender Toilet Paper 
  • Best for RVs – Firebelly Outfitters RV Toilet Paper 
  • Best Recycled – Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper 
  • Best Bamboo Septic-Safe Toilet Paper – Caboo Tree-Free Toilet Paper 

Now you may be wondering what are the characteristics of toilet paper that are bad for the septic system:

  • Quilted – The adhesion between the layers will make this paper more difficult to break down.
  • Triple (or more) Ply – Again, it’s about the layers. The more layers the paper has, the longer it will take to break down.
  • Scented – The fragrance added to the paper introduces harsh chemicals into the delicate balance of the septic system. The experts chose Angel Soft Lavender Toilet Paper for the ‘Best of’ list because it’s not the paper itself that is scented, it’s actually the tube the paper comes on that is scented – clever!

Now that you’ve carefully chosen the safest brand of toilet paper for your septic system, we should talk about how much toilet paper to use: As little as possible. Should the need arise to use more paper than usual, flush throughout the use.

The septic system is designed to be out of sight and out of mind. You can help to keep it that way by smartly choosing the right type of toilet paper and limiting how much you use.

Have questions? Give us a call at 08 8444 8100.